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FOR THE FAMILIES, VOLUNTEERS AND SUPPORTERS OF KIDS CANCER CARE FOUNDATION OF ALBERTA

SPRING 2009 Editor: Gail Corbett

Pink reigns supreme at new gala role in building self-esteem in girls but there aren’t a lot of events designed with just dad and daughter in mind. There are all kinds of op-

Camp & Community Research Clinical Support Scholarship

“…this is a bit different. This is dad-and-daughter time.” —Crispin Arthur

portunities for sons and fathers and there are lots of things for moms and daughters, but this is a bit different. This is dad-and-daughter time.”

KCCFA is rolling out the carpet for dads

and daughters at the Hotel Arts on Saturday, October 24, 2009 for an unforgettable evening of elegance and fun. Pretty in Pink will be a formal affair, featuring dinner by award-winning executive chef Duncan Ly, a dance and silent auction. “It had to be fresh. It had to be new. And it had to be original,” says Trish Matheson, director of development and communications at KCCFA. “For years, we’ve been exploring the possibility of creating a signature event in the fall.” But not just any old event would do. “Pretty in Pink is perfect,” says Matheson. “It fits well with our family-centred values and it’s completely unique. There isn’t another event like it in the city.” Dads and daughters will love it. At least that’s what the research says. KCCFA conducted a focus group last fall and the response was unanimously positive. “The fathers we talked to loved the idea,” says Matheson. “My six-year-old daughter Jane will love it,” says Calgary lawyer and KCCFA board member Crispin Arthur, a father of two and chair of the gala committee. “Fathers play an important

The Pretty in Pink gala will provide girls with a unique opportunity to get dressed up, spend some quality time with dad and support a worthy cause. Dollars raised at the Pretty in Pink gala will go to the KCCFA Derek Wandzura Memorial Scholarship fund, the only scholarship program in the province that awards education bursaries to childhood cancer survivors. “I think the girls will be pleased to know that their evening with dad is helping another young person realize their dreams through education,” says Christine Wandzura, founder and CEO of KCCFA. “It’s a great learning opportunity for girls, demonstrating through example, the importance of getting involved at a young age.” Tickets to Pretty in Pink are $100 for dads and $50 for each daughter and they go on sale in June—just in time for Father’s Day. Opportunities for sponsorship are also available. For more information, please visit kidscancercare.ab.ca or call Roz Freeman at 403.984.1228 or email freeman@kidscancercare.ab.ca.

Inside… On page 3

KCCFA’s research contribution over 10 years tops $7.8 million

On page 4

Read about Tegan and the friends who are supporting her on her cancer journey.

On page 8

Meet Carl…A grandfather shares his experience with childhood cancer.

Message from our CEO Parenting is the most important certification I’ll ever have; recertification exams happen daily. I’ve failed more than a few, but I continue to study—Allan Laudersmith, father. Dear Friends,

We all know that when our children are born they don’t come with an operator’s manual. It’s a

bit like taking an exam without studying. Not that anything would ever prepare you for a diagnosis of childhood cancer. Nothing can ever prepare a family for this dreadful journey, but with a little support we can make the journey more bearable for families.

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When I say family, I mean the whole family—grandparents included. When our research committee first reviewed Dr. Nancy Moules’ research proposal, which looks at the effects of childhood cancer on grandparents, we were impressed with the scope of her study and believed we could help by supporting it with a research grant. Research studies like Dr. Moules’ are made possible by fundraising events like the Parents’ Quest for the Cure and the Trico Homes Ride for a Lifetime, which have now raised close to $2.5 million.

Christine Wandzura, KCCFA founder and CEO.

2009 marks the 10th year of our Shave Your Lid for a Kid® program. Who would have ever imagined that head-shaving would become one of our most successful fundraising initiatives? This grassroots campaign has now raised more than $5.5. million and tons of moral support for Alberta children with cancer—kids like Tegan (page 4) who inspire us with their courage and determination. There are so many ways to get involved and help children with cancer. If you’d like to help, but would rather keep your hair, why not get involved with our Pretty in Pink “Nobody can go back and start a new Dad and Daughter Gala? It’s going to be a spectacular evening and all beginning, but anyone can proceeds from the gala will go to our scholarship fund. and make a new ending.”

today

start

Spring is here and it’s time to tune-up the bikes and pull out the golf clubs. If you haven’t already registered for the Trico Homes ride, June 19 to 21, please do so soon because there are only a few spots left. It will be the ride of a lifetime—for both you and the kids it helps! Should you have the itch to swing those golf clubs again, registration is now open for our annual Don, Joanne and the Coach Golf a Kid to Camp tournament. There are also plenty of opportunities for sponsors to get involved. And of course, you cycling enthusiasts can jump on your bikes for Tour for Kids, Alberta, July 17-19, and ride somewhere meaningful. This past winter, we braved the cold, an economic downturn and challenges on many fronts. But our staff and volunteers continue to work hard for children with cancer because we know we must, if we are ever to change the reality of this disease. As Maria Robinson so aptly puts it, “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” With your help we are creating happier endings—with brighter futures. Thank you for helping us make futures possible for Alberta children and families facing childhood cancer. Sincerely,

All photos provided courtesy of KCCFA unless otherwise indicated.

Christine Wandzura, M.S.M, CFRE, Founder & Chief Executive Officer www.kidscancercare.ab.ca 2

News Research contribution tops $7.8 million last February in honour of International Childhood Cancer Day. The Foundation will award a total of $629,610 over the next three years to the following research initiatives, bringing its total contribution to Alberta research over the last decade to $7.8 million: Nursing & Allied Health Research Awards University of Calgary nursing professor Dr. Nancy Moules will receive $152,968 over two years for a study that is investigating the effects of childhood cancer on grandparents. One of only a handful of studies like it in the world, Moules’ research will change nursing practice and education, arming health care professionals with the information they need to develop programs to help this generation of the family. A $26,576 award will go to Susanna Law, a dietician at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, who is investigating whether supplementing chemotherapy treatments with carnitine (a nutrient that is essential in fat metabolism) will help kids. The hope is that carnitine supplements will reduce toxicity and improve the child’s tolerance to chemotherapy, translating into better outcomes for young cancer patients.

to investigate best practices of health care professionals around the world who support teenagers with cancer. Teenaged cancer patients have very different social, emotional and physiological needs than young children and adults with cancer. They often get lost between the two groups. Joyce’s research will give health care professionals at the hospital information to develop targeted programs for this group. KCCFA Establishment Award A $300,000 grant over three years will go to U of C scientist Dr. Paul Beaudry whose research team is investigating tumour initiating cells (TICs) in neuroblastoma, a cancer that attacks the nervous system. The hope is that studying TICs in this cancer will help scientists unlock the elusive nature of this highly malignant, high-risk cancer.

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KCCFA announced its 2009 research awards

Donations, shaves and fundraising events like the Trico Homes ride and Parents’ Quest for the Cure make the work of scientists like Drs. Steve Robbins and Jennifer Rahn possible.

Ongoing and summer student research KCCFA also awarded an additional $118,000 to U of C scientists Drs. Steve Robbins and Peter Forsyth for ongoing research projects and up to $30,000 to summer research students at the University of Calgary.

You do the math

Don, Joanne & the Coach Golf a Kid to Camp

Your commitment • $2,500

Our commitment

• One complimentary spot in tournament • Live broadcast breakfast with Lite 96 • Snacks and drinks at every hole • Chances to win great prizes • Delicious buffet dinner • Strong corporate visibility with desirable demographic • Sending children with cancer to camp

We need 16 hole sponsors. For $2,500 you can help send two kids with cancer to camp. Be the sponsor that makes it happen. Call Jodi McNabb at 403.984.1226 to reserve your golf hole today!

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Kris Joyce, a social worker at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, will receive a $2,066 grant

Community Friends What is alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma? Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma is a relatively rare cancer in young children and especially rare in teenagers. It is characterized by its appearance, which is similar to the alveoli of the lungs. Treatment for alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma includes chemotherapy, radiation and sometimes surgery.

Friends in the community make great things happen for KCCFA kids and families! We thank our friends who raised funds on our behalf through community initiatives such as raffles, shaves and other fundraising events.

I get by with a little help from my friends At 15, Tegan has already experienced more

than her share of hardship. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a baby, she has braved the ups and downs of living with a disability her entire life. But on January 6, 2009, Tegan was to face one of the biggest challenges yet. She was diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma and was immediately booked for treatment.

family wrote messages of hope and inspiration for Tegan to help her through the long haul of treatment. Now hanging in her hospital room, the poster is there to remind Tegan that they love her and that they are always there for her. “Children are so precious,” says Karen King, Tegan’s aunt, one of the shave organizers. “They absolutely do not deserve the things that are sometimes dumped on them, so even though I can’t take away the pain, or the illness, I can certainly help them know they are loved, supported and most definitely not alone.”

During the shave, event organizers held a 50/50 draw. Gathering up all the loose shavings and cuttings, they invited guests to enter to win a cash prize for guessing the total weight of all the lost hair that day. Fortunately for KCCFA kids, the winner donated all the winnings Tegan and her parents. to the Founda“I can’t take away the pain, or the tion. “What I love about illness, but I can certainly help them Fortunately, Tegan these events is knows she’s not know that they are loved, supported the symbolic alone. On Sunact of shaving . and most definitely day, February 15, your head,” says 2009—Interna—Tegan’s aunt, Karen King. KCCFA shave tional Childhood coordinator Carly Cancer Day—22 Murray. “These friends and the people are showing moral support for children stylists at Elysium 5 Hair & Esthetics opened who don’t have a choice about losing their hair. their hearts—and salon—for Tegan. They were Many do not personally know a child who has there to show Tegan moral support by shavlost their hair because of cancer treatments, so ing their heads and raising money for the Kids it’s a brave gesture.” Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta.

not alone

Calling all Shave Brigadeers KCCFA is looking for volunteers to help out at shave events. To volunteer, call 403.984.1229 or email syl@kidscancercare.ab.ca.

Weeks into her treatment, Tegan was already losing her hair, so she shaved her head before the event. And, although her health wasn’t great that day and her cell count was down, Tegan insisted on coming out to cheer on her friends and family. But, really, they were there to cheer her on. On a giant-size poster, friends and www.kidscancercare.ab.ca

Thanks to the incredible vision and generosity of Tegan’s friends and family, the group far-surpassed their fundraising goal of $500 and brought in $14,000. Although frail and in poor health that day, Tegan was strong in spirit and, quite frankly, overcome with all love and generosity she saw that day.

Community Friends Cyclists raise $222,000 for Kids A lberta cyclists took the high road again

last summer on the second annual Tour for Kids Alberta. Eighty cyclists rode through Banff National Park, pedaling more than 600 kilometres each and raising $222,000 for KCCFA camp programs. KCCFA volunteers, staff and campers came out in droves to cheer on the cyclists on the three-day ride. Tour for Kids Alberta is an annual cycling event organized by the Coast to Coast Against Can-

cer Foundation. This year’s cycling event takes place July 17 - 19. Register today at tourforkids.com.

Alberta cyclists pedalled hard for KCCFA kids, raising $222,000 for our camp programs.

Driving kids to camp A ugust 2008 marked the 11

year of Toromont’s golf tournament. This team of corporate philanthropists has mastered the fine art of giving back. Organized and hosted by the staff of Toromont Energy Systems, who volunteer their time each year, the annual event has raised more than $700,000 for KCCFA kids. We’re looking forward to another sunny, successful event this year. th

Living each moment for the kids A group of community-minded artists and business people lent a helping hand to host LIVE the Moment, Monique de St. Croix’s 40th birthday celebration, which raised $10,000 for KCCFA kids.

Two years ago, KCCFA photographer Monique de St. Croix met an extraordinary family at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. This family and their 14-month-old son Ethan had been through a long journey with childhood cancer, trying every possible treatment and protocol. Sadly, a week after that meeting, Ethan lost his battle with cancer. But his story remained with Monique and, a year later, while planning her 40th birthday party she recognized an opportunity to raise money for kids like Ethan.

Monique’s musician-friends Alessandra Maria Ammara, Roberto Prosseda and Lisa Hornung were performing at the party, so she approached Irene Besse for the use of the Steinway Concert Hall. While explaining to Irene where funds from the concert would go, Monique discovered that little Ethan was Irene Besse’s grand-nephew. A few months later, Monique, Irene Besse Keyboards (and staff), and Karen Coe & Associates hosted an event called LIVE the Moment, honouring Ethan’s life and celebrating Monique’s. The event featured music performances, live and silent auctions and an exhibit of 40 of Monique’s favourite images from her career as a photographer. LIVE the Moment lived up to its potential and raised $10,000 for KCCFA kids.

Summer’s around the corner. . . Mark your calendars. Have some fun. Raise some money for KCCFA kids! Post Hotel Wine Summit May 28 – May 31 Post Hotel Lake Louise, AB A celebration of wine and food. Call 1.800.661.1586 to make your reservation today. Cargill Meat Solutions – Fred Free Charity Golf Classic June 18, 1 PM Highwood Golf and Country Club High River, Alberta Enjoy a day of golf and a delicious prime rib dinner. To register, call Dianne Riva Cambrin at 403.652.8440.

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Camp & Community 2009 summer camp dates Camp SunRise

Mindful living

Day camp ages 3-7 Edmonton July 13 – 17 July 20 – 24 Calgary July 27 – 31 August 3 – 7 Camp SunMaker Residential camp ages 7-17 Easter Seals Camp Horizon, Kananaskis July 13 – 18 July 20 – 25 July 27 – Aug 1 August 3 – 8 Camp Seeker Teen leadership camp – ages 14-17 July 13 – 18 July 20 – 25 July 27 – Aug 8

We are the world A conference on healthy living wouldn’t be complete without a session on the environment and KCCFA volunteer Tammy Pham was there to introduce delegates to the key environmental issues facing our planet today. Exploring some of the reasons for global warming, Tammy provided the young adults with a few tips on living greener.

Healthy living in action Conference delegates put their healthy living skills in action Saturday afternoon, with a healthy dose of fresh mountain air, cross-country skiing in Kananaskis. For many, this was KCCFA camper Aaron loves YAC. their first time cross-country Y oung adults skiing and it was “I plan to organize my days, so I from across the highlight of am able to achieve a well-rounded Canada took a the weekend: “I mindful detour have never skied healthy life.” last February at before and I the annual learned that I can KCCFA Young Adult Conference (YAC). Called catch on quickly to a new challenge. I would Healthy Living: Mind, Body and Soul, the confernever have thought to cross-country ski, but I ence offered 28 delegates from across Alberta love it!”—conference participant. and Quebec lessons in healthy living, with sessions on nutrition, meditation, leadership and Mind/Body/Soul global warming. Delegates left the conference inspired to create healthy, balanced lives. “I’ve learned that the soul is just as important as the body and the We are what we read mind,” said one YAC attendee, “and that I may For Rory Hornstein—a registered dietitian and not be as healthy as I thought.” fitness consultant—healthy eating begins with healthy reading. She took the young adults on a YAC 2009 gave participants the chance to convirtual grocery trip, starting with tips on readnect with old friends and meet new ones. And, ing food labels and finding the healthiest foods because eight of the delegates from Quebec in the supermarket. She explored questions of were French-speaking, young people from both organic and non-organic foods and provided provinces were able to stretch their language the young adults with information on their and communication skills. metabolisms and how to keep them active. We are what we think After nourishing their bodies,YAC participants enjoyed some food for thought in a meditation session with Christine Korol, a clinical psychologist and meditation instructor.YAC delegates discovered that cultures around the world have used meditation for centuries to develop greater mental focus, creativity and higher levels of consciousness. They learned how to sit www.kidscancercare.ab.ca

and breathe properly, so they can begin their own meditation practice at home.

Teens look forward to YAC all year. It is a place where they can forge new skills and friendships and create memories of a lifetime. “I am super busy with school, friends and sports but I plan to organize my days, so I am able to achieve a well-rounded healthy life”—YAC delegate. Special thanks to the Alberta Lottery Fund for helping make this conference possible.

Camp & Community Outreach

What makes a specialized oncology camp safe? S crapes and cuts, Band-Aids, bruises. Meds

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and puffers, sunhats, water bottles, needles. You’ve heard that KCCFA camps are safe but who will make sure your little one remembers to wear her sunhat? At KCCFA, we design our camps so children are free to be kids—and moms and dads are free from worry. What follows is a brief look at camp from the perspective of health and safety.

In good hands At KCCFA camps, your kids are in excellent medical care at all times. Our medical staff and volunteers are professionally trained to deal with children affected by childhood cancer. This specialized medical team includes a resident oncologist and an oncology nurse along with registered nurses, paramedics, EMRs and EMTs. These medical professionals are on-site 24/7 and ready to respond at anytime. KCCFA staff has extensive training and experience in the camping and recreational fields and is able to modify activities for children with special needs. KCCFA staff and volunteers are certified with First-Aid and CPR level C training and undergo a weekend of KCCFA camp training. They’re trained to remind kids to keep their sunhats and sunscreen on and to monitor children at all times for signs of injury or illness. Programs by design KCCFA Camp & Community programs were originally designed in the early 90s by medical and social work teams from the Southern and Northern Alberta Children’s Cancer Programs. We continue to work closely with both cancer

“we meet and surpass all provincial standards for safe camp programs.” programs today, meeting regularly with a medical advisory committee composed of pediatric oncologists, nursing unit managers and social workers from both hospitals. This team reviews and updates medical protocols and procedures for all KCCFA camps on an annual basis.

This motley crew may not look like the docs and nurses you normally see at the hospital but beyond the summer shorts and sun-burnt faces is a team of specialized medical volunteers ready to respond 24/7.

Best practices camps KCCFA not only follows best practices; it creates best practices for the oncology camping industry. Accredited through the Alberta Camping Association, we meet and surpass all provincial standards for safe camp programs. KCCFA is also actively involved with the Canadian Association of Pediatric Oncology Camps, a national body that sets Canadian cancer camp guidelines. Their rigorous guidelines ensure that member camps are meeting the physical, medical and emotional needs of children affected by childhood cancer. Call us anytime Please call Mary Phillipo at 403.984.1227 or email phillipo@kidscancercare.ab.ca, if you have questions or concerns. kidscancercare.ab.ca www.kidscancercare.ab.ca 7

Perspectives Carl and his grandson Bradley. Bradley’s cancer diagnosis at age six shook Carl’s universe. He and his wife Tari are taking part in Dr. Moules’ study, which will help health care professionals design new programs to help grandparents of children with cancer.

A grandfather’s story This story is excerpted from Carl Hendrie’s speech, which he gave on February 13, 2009 when KCCFA announced its annual research awards. One of the research projects that received funding from KCCFA is a two-year study that is looking at the effects of childhood cancer on grandparents.

In late 1997, around October or November, I

was sitting on my couch with my cigarettes and ashtray by my side, when my grandson Bradley, who was about three or four at the time, put his hand on my knee, looked up into my face and with the wisdom of Solomon, said “Grandpa, smoking makes kids sick!” Well, I was speechless and filled with a sense of shame. I had no comeback for him. A couple of months later, in February 1998, I quit smoking. Whenever I felt a craving, I remembered Bradley’s words. And I haven’t touched a cigarette since.

Grandparent study Are you the grandparent of a child with cancer? Dr. Nancy Moules and her research team at the University of Calgary and Alberta Children’s Hospital want to understand your experience to support grandparents like you. If you are interested in taking part in the study, contact Dr. Moules at njmoules@ucalgary. ca or 403.220.4635.

I always felt that my role as grandfather was to be a rock. I’m supposed to be the guy my kids and grandkids rely on. We’re the wise and strong ones. But nothing in life prepared me for the emotional roller coaster of a grandchild’s cancer. It was tough seeing my family like that, seeing them in so much pain and fear—my daughter Valerie and her husband Rob, Bradley’s older brother and sister, my other daughters, the other grandchildren and, of course, my wife.

My wife Tari and I talked about Bradley’s cancer That episode made it all the harder constantly and we for me worried endlessly when about everyone “When you think of cancer you only two and how well years later think of adults. You never think they were holding at the age of six up. We did our little kids who are just starting that same wonvery best to be derful little boy life will get cancer.” supportive and was diagnosed strong for the with skin cancer. family. When you think of cancer you think of adults. He has lung cancer and used to be a heavy smoker. She has skin cancer and used to suntan a lot.You never think little kids who are just starting out in life will get cancer. They haven’t lived long enough to develop bad habits. When you hear the diagnosis you run the emotional gamut—from disbelief to denial, anger and fear. Eventually you end up at hope, but the fear, the fear never goes away. I decided early on that I would do my best to be at the hospital for every single test and treatment Bradley went through. Our routine at the hospital would start with Bradley kicking my butt at video games, while we waited. Then he’d give me a condescending smile and, with an encouraging pat on the www.kidscancercare.ab.ca

shoulder, he’d wish me better luck next time, before going into his appointment.Valerie— Brad’s mother and my oldest daughter—and I would wait, drinking coffee by the gallon.

We were very, very lucky and had a great outcome. Bradley is now a fine, strapping young man who plays football. He has his first job and recently discovered girls! Having been through the childhood cancer journey with my family, I know that kindness and support, information and encouragement make it easier to bear. If this study identifies new ways and means to help other grandparents walk the journey we found ourselves on, I support it with all my heart and will be proud to take part in it.

Volunteers

Volunteers make it all happen D o you remember the first time you rode a bus to KCCFA summer camp and the person who sat next to you in that open seat?

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Do you remember saying goodbye to your children as they boarded the bus and the sense of relief you felt when you saw that friendly person greeting them? Do you remember seeing the joy in your child’s eyes and wondering who would look out for him? Do you remember the smiling face that greeted you at Family Camp and the helping hands that helped lug your bags to your room? If you share any of these memories, chances are you’ve been to KCCFA camp and you’ve met some of our volunteers. Former KCCFA camper Dustin was inspired to help by Nigel, another camper-turned-volunteer who was since passed away. Now Dustin is following in Nigel’s footsteps, giving more than 350 hours each year to help kids like Marina.

E ach year, dozens of KCCFA volunteers dedicate their weekends or summer vacations to make camp a magical place. They’re there to dry a tear, or hold a hand, or laugh at silly jokes. KCCFA volunteers are there for families at a time of great uncertainty. They’re there to reassure, answer questions and to let families know they’re not alone. Dustin Salsbury, a KCCFA volunteer and former KCCFA camper, remembers this well, “I always felt welcome at camp,” he says, “because I always had someone to talk to.” Often that someone was a volunteer. Dustin recalls that it was another camperturned-volunteer who inspired him to volunteer. “He was cool guy,” recalls Dustin. “No matter who you were or how long you’d been with KCCFA, Nigel always made time for you. Seeing how other campers and staff looked up to him, I knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps. After he passed away some friends and I went to his grave site and I made a promise to him that I would use everything he taught me to help new kids and teens at camp.” Dustin is staying true to his word. Today, he gives more than 350 hours each year to

KCCFA as camp counsellor at our SunMaker and SunRise camps. Dustin—A.K.A. DJ Fish— also makes regular volunteer appearances as KCCFA’s likable DJ.You’ll recognize him when you see him. He’s the guy with the big, warm smile who’ll be giving his undivided attention to a child or a teen. He knows what it’s like to be new to camp. “There isn’t a day goes by that I don’t thank Nigel for saying hi to me my first year as a camper,” says Dustin. “He helped make me who I am! And I believe that with 100% of my heart.”

So you’ve been to camp…Now what? Why not become part of the growing team of volunteers that is helping families just like yours? Come out to one of our summer fundraising events like Tour for Kids or the Don, Joanne & the Coach golf tournament and take the opportunity to thank the men and women who make camp possible. Every minute of volunteer time helps KCCFA move closer to its vision of providing a cure for child and care for every family. Be part of the vision, volunteer today. Contact Sharlene Coulter at coulter@kidscancercare.ab.ca or 403.984.1222.

Thank you! For volunteering last January and February! We couldn’t have done it without you. Alex Alisha Amy Andy Barbara Betty Bruce Carrie Carlene Christa Christie Christy Cindy Dean Donna Dustin Eric Gale Haley Iyswarya Jane Jeff Jenn Jennifer Jonathan & Joanne Joy Karen Kathy Kristyn Lee Linda Linnea Mabel Magdalena Maureen Meera Megan Nicole Robyn Rose Ruth Shannon Shaun Shellen Stephanie Sue Tammy Tannis Taylor Terry & Sharon Trevor Warren & Kim

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Our People Jordan Miller: living life full A love of adventure and the great outdoors

I went into the woods because I wanted to live deliberately. I wanted to live deeply and suck all the marrow out of life... to put to rout all that was not life; and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. —Henry David Thoreau

has taken him around the world on more than one occasion. He’s worked at camps with names as strange as Warwa,YoWoChAs and the Great Australia Bush Camp, but Jordan Miller recently moved to Calgary with his girlfriend Caitlin and, for now, they’re here to stay. Jordan joined KCCFA’s camp team last fall as camp coordinator, where he oversees our SunMaker, SunRise and year-round camps. He brings to the Foundation more than 10 years experience in the camping and outdoor recreation field and has worked as an out-trip guide, camp counsellor and as a standards and accreditation coordinator for the Alberta Camping Association. “I love the holistic nature of camping,” he says, “It gives children an opportunity to experience all their senses and it can have positive effects on the individual—physically, emotionally, socially, mentally and spiritually.” Jordan learned at a young age the value of experiencing life fully, when his mother, an ESL teacher, and father, a Canadian tax court judge, took him and his brother out of school for an extended world tour: “They taught us to live

life, to live for experience—not for possessions or positions.” And that’s exactly what Jordan is doing. As a camp coordinator, he’s worked with a range of populations, including very privileged kids, atrisk youth and kids with special needs. But this is the first time he’s worked with children with cancer. “I’m impressed with how well-behaved the kids are,” he laughs, “and how appreciative they are of our programs.” What Jordan enjoys at KCCFA is the diversity of the population: “You see the kids at camp and the parents at Cool Yule and all the families know each other. There’s a real community here and it includes all ages and all backgrounds.” Although much of Jordan’s background includes life in the bush, he has a more studious side too. He earned a Master’s in leisure studies at Dalhousie University and plans to do a Ph.D. and, one day, teach at a university. But, true to the lessons of his father, Jordan wasn’t interested in bringing only book smarts into the classroom. “The best professors were always the ones who had experience in the field.” And so, he’s living life out loud and playing the field before teaching it.

“I love the holistic nature of camping. It gives children an opportunity to experience all their senses and it can have positive effects on the individual— physically, emotionally, socially, mentally and spiritually.”

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Our Sponsors

Parents’ Quest for the Cure — Ice Gala The Parents’ Quest for the Cure – Ice Gala, presented by Meyers Norris Penny LLP, warmed the hearts of Calgary on Saturday, February 28, 2009, when some 440 guests helped raise more than $100,000 for childhood cancer research. This year’s total brings event revenues over the last six years to more $700,000. L-R Quinn and Aidan, two KCCFA campers, made their debut performance with their mom and dad, Karen and Allan Laudersmith, at the 2009 Parents’ Quest for the Cure. Quinn not only stole the mic from emcee Dave Kelly; he and his brother stole the show and everyone’s hearts.

Thank you! Sponsors Meyers Norris Penny LLP CGI Genco Development Corporation Western Fleet, Lease & Repo Cognera Corp. Remington Development Corp. Savanna Energy Services Corp. Cymru Holdings Ltd Online Business Systems ATB Corporate Financial Services Air Canada Kids Horizon Donors Avenue Magazine Burstall Winger LLP Core Resources Inc. Deschenes Regnier FirstEnergy Capital Corp. Macleod Dixon LLP McCarthy Tétrault Foundation Twisted Tree Winery Wolf Coulee Resources Inc.

Photos by Unique Perspectives Artistic Photography

L-R Calgary Alderman Ric McIver, KCCFA CEO Christine Wandzura, Calgary auctioneer Bill Brown, Jeevan Mangat and Sukhi Boprai enjoy a few laughs before dinner.

Lessons learned…from a father (from Allan Laudersmith’s speech at the gala)

• • • • • • • Lisa Mueller and Kathleen Kirzinger enjoy a glass of bubbly before dinner. Kathleen and two other mothers first started the gala years ago, when their children were diagnosed with cancer. Above right: Volunteers are the heart and soul of KCCFA. L-R Alisha Virk, Iyswarya Bhaskar and Tammy Pham put in a long night at the gala, helping out at the silent auction.

• • •

My children and my wife are my heroes. Just when you think you can’t, you can. You have to. Focusing on what you can’t do, takes time away from doing what you can. Heroes don’t always have a face; give blood regularly and be gracious with your gifts. Trust your instincts; it’s your heart and your brain working together to send you a message. Parenting is the most important certification I’ll ever have. Recertification exams happen daily; I’ve failed more than a few, but I continue to study. The difference between an excellent mistake and a foolish one is in the lessons learned. Real men DO cry sometimes. It’s the crying that makes them real. Be open to being amazed, every day. Each minute holds with it an opportunity to define who our children’s parents will be.

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Board of Directors

Fundraising Events

Jack Perraton, C.M., QC, Chair Jackie Altwasser Crispin Arthur Dr. Christopher Brown Naveen Dargan Cindy Gibson Joni Hughes Catherine Laing Don Schafer Brad Stevens Don Stevens Dr. Doug Strother

Staff Team Mike Drew, SunMedia Corp.

Christine Wandzura, M.S.M., CFRE Chief Executive Officer

Gail Corbett Communication Manager

Sharlene Coulter Manager of Volunteers

Katherine Fortier Program Coordinator

Roz Freeman Event Coordinator

Ashlee Guise Communty Initiatives Coordinator

Mike MacKay Director of Camp & Community

Candice Martin Manager of Community Initiatives

Trish Matheson, CFRE Director of Development &

Communications

Sherry McKeil Nursing Coordinator

Janice McLeod

Trico Homes Ride for a Lifetime June 19 – 21, 2009 Calgary – Cranbrook – Nelson $600 per rider; $500 for passengers

Tour for Kids July17 – 19, 2009 Banff – Lake Louise – Caroline – Sundre $295 per rider

Join the weekend warriors who are helping change the face of childhood cancer one kilometre at a time. Registration includes fuel, meals, accommodation and entertainment. Every dollar raised goes to childhood cancer research. ONLY 18 SPOTS LEFT. Register online today. For information, call 403.216.9210 or email staff@kidscancercare.ab.ca.

Cycle somewhere meaningful this summer on the 3rd annual Tour for Kids Alberta and send a child to camp. Registration includes meals, camp accommodation, mechanical support, first-aid, entertainment and massage. Register online today at tourforkids.com.

Don, Joanne & the Coach Golf a Kid to Camp Thursday, August 13, 2009 Cottonwood Golf & Country Club $500 per golfer

Administrative Coordinator

Jodi McNabb, CFRE Development Manager

Jordan Millar Camp Coordinator

Carly Murray Event Coordinator

Mary Phillipo Camp Administrative Assistant

Tracey Stahn Community Program Coordinator

Join Calgary’s favourite radio personalities for a day of golf and help send a kid to camp. The tournament sells out fast, so register today. For information, call Roz Freeman at 403.984.1228 or email freeman@kidscancercare.ab.ca.

Pretty in Pink Dad & Daughter Gala Saturday, October 24, 2009 Hotel Arts $100 for dads and $50 for each daughter An unforgettable evening of elegance and fun for dads and daughters, the Pretty in Pink gala is KCCFA’s newest fundraising initiative. The evening features a dinner and dance, silent auction and bucket draws. For information, call Roz Freeman at 403.984.1228 or email freeman@ kidscancercare.ab.ca.

For information or to register for KCCFA events, visit kidscancercare.ab.ca. We appreciate the opportunity to communicate with you about KCCFA’s activities. If you wish to alter the amount or type of mail you receive, please call us at 403.216.9210 or email staff@kidscancercare.ab.ca.

Canadian Publications Agreement #40049602 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta 609 - 14 Street N.W., Suite 302 Calgary, AB T2N 2A1 P 403.216.9210 F 403.216.9215 Toll Free (Alberta) 1.888.554.2267